Story telling is an art form that is becoming lost in this modern age. It’s being replaced by lying, outright lying. In the old days, a good story didn’t have to be totally true. It just had to have a kernel of truth to it. Today, the truth doesn’t matter. It might even get in the way.

The big problem with outright lying is remembering the lie and who you told it to. A good story-teller only has to remember the part that’s true. If someone questions a story-teller on a particular version the story teller can claim it’s a misunderstanding.

Being called a liar is insulting. Being called a story teller is a bit complimentary. Here’s an example.

“You lying no-good rat!”.

“You story-telling, no good rat!”.

See? Being a story-teller is a lot less insulting. It’s less stressful and probably healthier. It also provides a better deniability factor.

“I didn’t exactly say that”, you can say with a straight face. You’re telling the truth as far as you know. The story changes with each telling so no two versions are ever alike.

When two story-tellers get together it like watching Lennon and McCartney write a song without Yoko around. They feed off each other and steal credit where they can. The story is better than either could do individually.

Story-telling is becoming lost but it’s not gone. Listen to any politician.

It’s much simpler to edit a story than a lie. For all intents and purposes, a lie is something you’re stuck with. You need to memorize it in every detail so it never changes. A story isn’t like that. You only need to remember the truth, which is easier. After that you can add whatever details suits your purpose. You can edit the story for the type of audience.

“Last time you told that you used dirty words”, the wife says.

“Last time I wasn’t telling it at a church dinner”, you reply.

“Last time you got laughs”, she responds.